GED Exam ·Apr 28, 2022

What Score Will Help Me Pass My GED Exam?

Obtaining a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) is essential to apply for college or a job without a high school diploma, as it can be used in place of one during the application process. They’re a viable substitute because obtaining a GED requires individuals to test their knowledge in many areas of education. Most colleges and workplaces in the USA also acknowledge the GED as a qualification, which opens promising opportunities for individuals who weren’t able to receive their high school diplomas.

With that being said, there is a lot to consider in preparation for taking the GED exam. In this article, I will be discussing the details of the GED exam, what score is needed to pass, and some tips to help future test-takers know what to expect from the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the GED Exam?

According to the official GED website, test-takers need to score 145 to pass the exam. This is the minimum score for all subjects included in the exams, which means that test-takers will have to score at least 145 on each subject respectively to qualify for a GED. However, there are certain benefits to receiving a score higher than the minimum passing grade.

If an individual scores at least 165 – 174 on their exams, they will be categorized as “GED College Ready”. This means that they’re qualified for college courses, developmental education requirements, and waivers from placement testing.

On the other hand, scoring at least 175 – 200 on the GED exams gives test-takers both the “GED College Ready” title and college credits. This applies to any of the subjects included in the exam. If someone receives a score over 175, then this means that they have enough knowledge to match up to 10 college credit hours.

What is included in the GED exam?

The GED exam is composed of four subjects in total: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. The time allotted for answering the tests varies per subject, going from 70 – 150 minutes with additional time for instructions and breaks. Each exam includes specific sub-topics under each main subject, which are as follows:

Mathematical Reasoning: Basic Math, Geometry, Basic Algebra, and Graphs and Functions.
Reasoning Through Language Arts: Reading for Meaning, Identifying and Creating Arguments, and Grammar and Language.
Social Studies: Reading for Meaning in Social Studies, Analyzing Historical Events and Arguments in Social Studies, and Using Numbers and Graphs in Social Studies.
Science: Reading for Meaning in Science, Designing and Interpreting Science Experiments, and Using Numbers and Graphics in Science.

How can I take the GED exam?

GED applicants must be at least 16 years old and should not be enrolled in any high school. Applicants can opt to take their exam on-site or online. There are several official GED testing sites located in each state, so it’s most convenient to select the testing site that is closest to you. For those interested in taking the GED, their test scheduling page on their official website offers a list of testing centers and other necessary details.

How to Get a Good Score on the GED Exam

Getting a passing score on the GED exam requires effort during the time spent studying for the exams and the time spent taking it. I’ve compiled some reliable tips to help future test-takers prepare for their GED exam; feel free to use this guide as a reference for how you can get a good score and obtain your GED.

Studying for the Exam

Focus on what’s included in the test: Check the coverage for the exam above. You want to focus on areas that are included in the scope of sub-topics per subject in the exam. For example, the mathematical reasoning section is heavy on algebra and geometry. For language arts and social science, you need to hone your reading, writing, and comprehension skills, since the subjects require a lot of analysis and interpretation.
Find useful resources: You can find many useful resources online and in libraries. There are many GED guides and preparation books available. The majority of these books require payment, but if you’re looking for resources online, then you can also join online forums that include other GED test-takers. This gives you access to a community of individuals who’ve experienced the exam firsthand. You can often drop your questions there for them to answer. You can also join a study course for more in-depth study sessions.
Look for practice exams: Practice exams may be one of the most reliable resources to use while preparing for the GED. These give test-takers the advantage of knowing what to expect from the exam. They won’t contain the exact questions, but they provide a glimpse of what kind of questions may be included in the real thing.

Taking the GED Exam

Read the instructions and questions carefully: Don’t just skim through the instructions and test questions; this could lead to fatal mistakes that may greatly affect your score. Read and ensure that you fully comprehend the instructions to minimize unnecessary mistakes.
Don’t second-guess yourself: Always go with your first answer. Take time to think about the options before selecting your final answer, but once you’ve written it down, don’t hesitate. Second-guessing yourself consumes valuable time that could instead be spent answering other questions. You can always come back to the ones you’re unsure of if you have extra time at the end.
Manage your time wisely: Always scan through the questions first and monitor your time. Make sure that you have plenty of time to answer the remaining questions. Try to answer the exams swiftly but adequately.

Conclusion

Even without a high school diploma, colleges and jobs are still within reach as long as you have a GED. Keep these tips in mind, and feel free to check back any time as you prepare for your GED exam. You’re definitely going to pass it if you put in the necessary time studying; go ahead and buy yourself a certificate frame for it while you wait for your testing date to roll around. You can always fill it with one of our novelty certificates in the meantime.

Check out our website for more information and tips about the GED exam, diplomas, and other related tests.

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